Overview of the Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals were the final ever franchise to join the American Football League before the merger with the NFL. The Bengals have struggled throughout their history and are yet to win a Super Bowl. Their most successful period was in the 1980's when they reached the Super Bowl twice. The Bengals had a traumatic period from 1990 to 2005, with the franchise having many on and off field problems. They have recovered in recent seasons to make the playoffs in all of the last three years.

Statistics Overview of the Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals were established in 1968. They have played their home matches at Paul Brown Stadium since 1968. The Bengals have never won the Super Bowl but have won the AFC Conference Championship on two occasions. The franchise has won their division on eight occasions and qualified for the playoffs twelve times. They have an overall record of 316-390-2 and a playoffs record of 5-12. The Cleveland Browns are the Bengals biggest rivals, with their matches known as the Battle of Ohio.

Cincinnati Bengals: Star Players for 2014

Quarterback: Andy Dalton

Andy Dalton was selected with the 35th pick of the 2011 NFL draft. Dalton won the starting job at the beginning of the 2011 season after Carson Palmer requested a trade away from the Bengals franchise. So far, Dalton has had three excellent seasons in the top flight. Dalton became the only quarterback in NFL history not drafted in the first round to start all 16 games of his rookie season. He led the Bengals to four fourth-quarter comebacks and was the only rookie quarterback to play in the 2011 playoffs. His excellent form saw him selected for the AFC Pro Bowl team and receive the NFLPA Emerging Player Award. Dalton finished the 2013 regular season with 4,296 passing yards for 33 passing touchdowns and 20 interceptions. His passing yards and touchdowns were both career highs and Bengals single season franchise records. Despite his success, he has been criticized for his consistent failure to advance in the playoffs. Will 2014 be his year to shake this criticism? He is one of only five NFL QBs to make the playoffs in each of his first three seasons, so the potential is there.

Offensive Star: A.J. Green

The Cincinnati Bengals selected A.J. Green with the fourth pick of the 2011 NFL draft. Green had a terrific rookie season, becoming the first rookie wide receiver since 2003 to make the Pro Bowl. Green led all rookies in receptions and receiving yards, with 1057 yards and seven touchdowns. Dalton and Green surpassed the all-time NFL record for yards and receptions by a rookie quarterback/wide receiver combination. Green has since made the Pro Bowl squad three years running, and the All-Pro two years in a row. Green set new career highs in 2013 for receptions (98) and receiving yards (1,426 the second highest total in Bengals history).

Defensive Star: Vontaze Burfict

Vontaze Burfict was regarded as one of the best linebackers available in the 2012 NFL Draft, yet due to problems on and off the field he would eventually go undrafted. The Cincinnati Bengals decided to sign him as an undrafted free agent. Burfict managed to make the Bengals roster despite being an undrafted rookie. He played in all 16 games and started 14 of those, finishing the season as the Bengals' top tackler with 127 combined tackles, including 18 tackles in their final game of the year against Baltimore Ravens. Burfict finished the 2013 season leading the NFL in tackles with 171, and the only Bengals defensive player selected to Pro Bowl - the first Bengals linebacker since 1976. Burfict is definitely a key player going into the Bengals' 2014 season.

Head Coach: Marvin Lewis

Marvin Lewis began his NFL coaching career as linebackers coach for the Philadelphia Eagles. In 1996 he became defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens and oversaw a successful period for the franchise including their triumph in Super Bowl XXXV. Lewis was named Cincinnati Bengals head coach in 2003. He is now the most successful coach in Bengals franchise history, winning the AFC North on three occasions and qualified the side for the playoffs four times. In 2009 he was named NFL coach of the year. Lewis was awarded a contract extension at the beginning of the 2012 season and his head coaching position is one of the most secure in the NFL. Lewis guided the Bengals to three straight playoff appearances in 2011, 2012 and 2013, a first in franchise history.

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